EHP investigates crocodile kill near Cairns

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection will launch an investigation after rangers discovered a beheaded crocodile while setting a trap in Deep Creek, Kewarra Beach this afternoon.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the crocodile was found by rangers who were setting the trap following an attack in which a crocodile took a dog in the creek late last week.

“Initial reports are that the crocodile has been beheaded. It appears as though the crocodile was lured by a baited stainless steel hook which was found in the animal’s torso,” Mr Powell said.

“The animal is believed to be approximately 2.5 metres long.

“Tests will be carried out over the coming days to determine whether this is the crocodile responsible for the attack last week.

“Rangers will continue to carry out surveys of the creek tonight to see whether there are any other large crocodiles in the area but have halted their plans to float a trap until test results are received.”

Mr Powell said the department would continue to work with the people of Cairns to address the issue in a timely manner but stressed it was both dangerous and illegal for anyone to take the matter into their own hands.

“We will take action to address this issue and we are working on developing long term strategies with input from locals but it is not safe or appropriate for anyone to take part in this sort of behaviour,” he said.

“Earlier this month I was in Cairns to start consultation with local Councils to seek their input on localised crocodile management strategies. That consultation still has two weeks to run.

 “We will trap and remove any crocodiles which are found to be dangerous and we will work to set up a three-tiered system which includes exclusion and zero-tolerance zones.

“The location of those proposed zones is one of many issues currently being discussed with local Councils as we work to further develop crocodile management strategies.”

In ‘croc country’ it is important that people are ‘croc wise’ and always exercise care and caution.

Anyone who sees a crocodile should report it to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection without delay by phoning 1300 130 372 to enable a prompt investigation. The department investigates all croc reports it receives.

Anyone with information in relation to the dead crocodile can contact EHP on 1300 130 372.

The maximum penalty for illegally killing a crocodile is $24,750.

ENDS- 24 September 2012

Contact: Alex Bernard 0417 252 563